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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who jumps Ponyboy when he is walking home from the movie theater?

2. Why does Cherry decide to leave with the Socs instead of walking with Ponyboy and the greasers?

3. How does Ponyboy react when Johnny tells him what has happened in the park?

4. In Ponyboy's view, what is the only thing that makes him a greaser?

5. What is Dallas Winston's nickname?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe what the Socs do to Ponyboy during the fight at the park.

2. What does Dally tell Ponyboy and Johnny to do when the come to him for help after the park fight?

3. What injuries do Ponyboy and Johnny sustain in the fire?

4. What is Ponyboy's reaction to cutting and dyeing his hair?

5. Describe the differences in how Ponyboy's two brothers treat him.

6. Explain how Ponyboy and Johnny are heroic during the fire.

7. Why is Ponyboy nervous about walking home alone from the movies?

8. What is Ponyboy's living arrangement?

9. How does Ponyboy realize that Darry truly cares for him?

10. What does Ponyboy realize that he has in common with Cherry?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the plot elements of The Outsiders. Identify the impetus for the story, major events, climax, and denouement.

Essay Topic 2

Describe Johnny's growth throughout the story. What events contribute to his maturity and change the way he looks at life?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the significance of the title of the novel. Who is an "outsider" throughout the story, and what makes that person an "outsider"? What other interpretations of the title are there?

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This section contains 617 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample